Tag: strangers

#271: Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life happens. Write a post for your blog — but three years in the future.

Day #1366: 28th September 2017

Another entertaining journey home…

So I boarded the train on the second carriage (as the first one was crammed with the usual Friday night loud-mouth drunks) and sat down, only to sit opposite a blurry eyed gentleman, who had his feet up on the chair, drinking some cheap lager out of a can. Great! He also had his backpack on the seat next to him, which proved awkward when a bearded 30ish-year-old approached the seat. “Do you want to sit here mate?”, said the clearly tipsy Irishmen in a semi-aggressive manner. “Yeah”, the bearded man replied cautiously. “Well, I’m not a *expletive* mind reader!”. Oh dear… what have I let myself in for. Do I risk moving and creating a scene, or do I wait it out?! It’s only a 30 minute journey, what’s the worst that could happen.

That’s when a revolting daddy long legs started to dive bomb me… I was unable to hide my insane dislike for those things and it hadn’t gone unnoticed. So, the Irish guy tried catching it in order to put it out the window – only to accidentally pull its leg off! But it broke the ice as the Irish guy then began mocking the newly seated guys beard… Luckily for everyone, he was a pretty mellow man and didn’t take the slightest bit of offence. That’s when our conversation began – we discussed beards (obviously), nights out in the areas we lived in and, well, more about beards. But it just goes to show that initial impressions aren’t all they seem…

* FYI – this journey did actually take place, including everything in it. I always seem to have eventful train journeys home after nights out (and these all take place before midnight!), and my close friend mentioned that I should begin documenting it. So it would be nice if this actually took off and people enjoyed reading about them. Let me know what you think!

Like this:

#143: You’re stuck in a lift with an intriguing stranger. Write this scene.

It feels like we’ve been stuck in here for at least an hour, but it has only been 10 minutes since we came to a juddering halt. Luckily, there was only one other person in the lift, otherwise it could have gotten very awkward! We pressed the emergency button once we’d realised weren’t going anywhere fast and were informed, frustratingly in a very laid-back ‘this-really-isn’t-that-big-of-a-deal’ kind of way, that the engineer is on his way and should be with us in the next 2 hours… 2 hours?!

Me: I guess we’re stuck here for a while then!

Stranger: We might as well make ourselves comfortable..

So, we put our bags down and took a seat on the cold marbled floor. What to say to a stranger I might possibly be stuck with for the next 120 minutes… what if we don’t get on?!

Me: Lovely weather we’re having…

He looked at me in utter confusion. Of all the things I could have said – we’re stuck in a lift for crying out loud! It’s not like we can even see outside. So I try something different.

Me: So, do you work here?

Stranger: I do – up on the 7th floor. How about you?

Me: Oh no, I’m here to meet someone… typical timing!

Stranger: I’m sure they’ll understand. I can always vouch for you!

Me: Thanks, I’d really appreciate that.

And that’s where our conversation began! He was a very interesting gentleman and was surprisingly friendly, compared to his stern looking exterior. Time flew past as we merrily chatted about where we grew up, comparing our hobbies and sharing our aspirations for the future. Before we knew it we’d been in there for over an hour! Once we’d realised the time, we were both a little on edge…

Stranger: Do you have any signal on your phone?

Me: Unfortunately not.

Stranger: Oh – I was supposed to be interviewing someone this afternoon in our board rooms up on the 8th floor. I really hope they fix this lift soon so that I can give her a call – I’d hate to think that she’s got the wrong impression!

Me: Wait… I was going to be interviewed this afternoon on the 8th floor. Are you Mr Cooper?

Stranger: Yes… *brain cogs working overtime*… Miss Ward! Lovely to meet you… or have met you should I say…?

I’d been interviewed without either of us even knowing it! Needless to say I was given the job. I impressed Mr Cooper (who I now know as Leonard), with my genuine, sponge-like (his words, as I’d demonstrated my love of learning) zest for life and he was impressed by my ambitions to further myself. It’s the interview I’ll never forget…

Like this:

#81: You’re stranded in a foreign city for a day with no money and no friends. Where do you go; what do you do?

I’d wander around the city, admiring the wonderful architecture and churches. I’d join buskers (obviously with their permission), sing my little heart out and hopefully earn enough money to buy myself some lunch. Not only would I be making friends by doing this but when eating/drinking, I’d make friends there too. Sounds cliche but how can you have no friends when you’re surrounded by millions of people?!